Daily Devotion - Wednesday - February 17

​Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength! 
Nehemiah 8:10

Do you ever have to fight for your joy? Do you ever have to dig deep to really have the joy that people talk about? What does this joy really mean? 
In this verse, Ezra is talking to the people of Israel who came to restore the temple.  They spent some time in sadness and tears, discouraged by the time they’d wasted as a people in running from God - Ezra told them to stop crying and leave their sadness behind. What matters is now. You have chosen to serve Him now. Your joy should come from this and knowing you are on the right path.  So, when you begin to feel discouraged, know that God wants us to share in His joy.  Ask Him to give it to you.  Seek the joy in your day. Do not lament over what has happened in the past. 

Meghan DeGregory